The Solar Cycle, Geology, and Geoelectric Hazards for Power Grids
Fact Sheet
2024-3036
Links
- Document: Report (2.5 MB pdf) , HTML , XML
- Version History: Version History (8.0 KB txt)
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
When sunspots are large and numerous, intense magnetic storms are likely to occur on the Earth. Magnetic storms can generate electric fields in the Earth, and these fields can, in turn, interfere with electric power transmission grids that are grounded at the Earth’s surface. Across the contiguous United States, geoelectric hazards are highest in the Upper Midwest and in the East. These regions correspond to geological structures that are electrically resistive, and they have, historically, experienced the most interference to electric power systems.
Suggested Citation
Love, J.J., Sobieszczyk, S., Rigler, E.J., Kelbert, A., and Lewis, K.A., 2024, The solar cycle, geology, and geoelectric hazards for power grids (ver. 1.1, October 2024): U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2024–3036, 4 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/fs20243036.
ISSN: 2327-6932 (online)
Study Area
Table of Contents
- History of Sunspots and Storms
- Geoelectric Hazard Maps
- References Cited
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | The solar cycle, geology, and geoelectric hazards for power grids |
| Series title | Fact Sheet |
| Series number | 2024-3036 |
| DOI | 10.3133/fs20243036 |
| Edition | Version 1.1: October 16, 2024; Version 1.0: October 16, 2024 |
| Year Published | 2024 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey |
| Publisher location | Reston, VA |
| Contributing office(s) | Geologic Hazards Science Center - Seismology / Geomagnetism |
| Description | 4 p. |
| Country | United States |
| Online Only (Y/N) | Y |
| Additional Online Files (Y/N) | N |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |